• Understand your situation
• Symptoms
• Risk factors
• Be aware
• Share information
• Support
• Stay active
• Stress less

---

Research and understand your specific situation

Research and educate yourself on your specific condition and what you can do about it. Talk to and take advice from healthcare practitioners. The more you know about your condition, the better choices you will make, and the more control you will have over your situation. This can help to reduce worry and anxiety and improve your mental and physical health.

There are many resources available to patients looking for more information - click here for a list of useful links.

                            

---

Know the risk

If you have had a DVT or PE your chances of having another is increased. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and remain vigilant. 

                     

---

What are the symptoms of DVT and PE?

If you experience these symptoms you should seek medical advice immediately.

                           

---

What are the risk factors for DVT and PE?

• Have cancer or a blood clotting disorder
• Are over 40
• Are overweight or obese
• Smoke
• Take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
• Are pregnant
• Spend a long time sitting or lying down – such as for work or travel
• Have had recent surgery – especially on the legs
• Have had recent trauma – especially on the legs
• Have a family history of clotting complications

                                         

---

Be aware of bleeding

If you have had a DVT or PE, your doctor may have prescribed you anticoagulant medication. In this case, a subsequent injury can become a big problem. If you have had a serious injury or are unable to stop bleeding, you should contact your doctor or healthcare practitioner immediately.

Women will commonly experience heavier bleeding during their period – if you are concerned about increased bleeding during your period you should speak to your doctor or healthcare professional.

                                          

---

Share information

You should let all your doctors know if you have had a blood clot of any kind, or if you take blood-thinning medication – including your dentist.

                                    

---

Find support

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is normal to feel anxious or upset after a serious complication like a DVT or PE. It is important to tell your doctor as they can provide information and resources specific to your personal condition. 

Finding a local support group might also help. If there are no local support groups, online support groups or forums are freely available. This can be beneficial as you are able to connect with others who have gone through the same thing you are – it can help to know that others have gone though it and survived it and that it’s possible to live normally.

                                 

---

Stay active

Talk to your doctor about whether you are ready for exercise and how much is appropriate for you. Activities like walking or swimming can improve your circulation and reduce your chances of developing another clot.

Try to move around at work or while traveling – plan breaks, stretch your legs, or perform simple foot exercises to keep the blood pumping. Try not to sit for longer than 2 hours at a time and avoid wearing clothing that is too tight or crossing your legs.

Watch your weight – being overweight or obese increases your risk of a blood clot.

The following foot exercises are helpful if you have to sit for long periods of time: 

---

Stress less

While it is important to be alert and actively monitor your situation, it doesn’t help to be stressed or highly strung all the time.

Try to remember some general relaxation techniques – such as meditation, mindfulness, or breathing exercises. And remember to try and get a good night’s rest. Sleep is important for your mental and physical health.

When resting try to raise your feet higher than your hip so that gravity helps with blood flow. This helps to prevent blood from pooling in the legs and forming dangerous clots.

                 

Learn more about Coping with worries.

            

Download a leaflet version of this page. 

                                

Learn more about thrombosis risk factors.

                      

Back to the top.